Property, Plant and Equipment (Narative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011 years towers	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Number of Towers Decommissioned	9,600
Interest Costs, Capitalized During Period	$ 413	$ 13	$ 12
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Average	8

The amount of interest that was capitalized during the period.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 34

-Paragraph 21

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450988&loc=d3e26243-108391

Name:	us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration